Children in need are eligible to receive free dental care at Rowan College at Burlington County’s 12th annual “Give Kids a Smile” Day, Friday, Feb. 5. The one-day program is part of the American Dental Association’s annual push to bring attention to the number one childhood disease, tooth decay.
“Rowan College at Burlington County dental hygienists rank among the very best in the region and their proficiency in their career is only matched by their desire to provide dental care to children in need,” RCBC President Paul Drayton said. “Give Kids a Smile at Rowan College at Burlington County takes a very serious issue and turns it into a fun event for the patients and the college community.”
Last year, in New Jersey alone, more than 2,500 children visited 166 sites across the state. In 2015, RCBC treated 99 children and provided treatment worth more than $56,000.
“Rowan College at Burlington County’s dental hygiene program has helped treat more than 2,000 children and provide more than a half million dollars of dental care through Give Kids A Smile,” said Linda Hecker, RCBC’s Director of Dental Hygiene. “This is a wonderful opportunity to affect positive, healthy change in the community and serve children who may not otherwise have access to oral health care.”
RCBC dental hygiene students, alumni and instructors, as well as volunteer local health care professionals, will team up to provide free preventive and emergency dental care to children ages 12 and younger on Give Kids a Smile Day. Children attending the program at RCBC will also be treated to entertainment. The day includes face-painting, a caricature artist, the chance to meet seeing-eye puppies in training and characters like the tooth fairy.
Those interested in making an appointment for their child are encouraged to call as soon as possible. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 856–291–4215.
The RCBC Dental Hygiene Center is currently located in the Lewis M. Parker Center, room 318 on the Pemberton campus at 601 Pemberton Browns Mills Road. The program is scheduled to move along with the entire Health Sciences Division to RCBC’s Briggs Road Health Sciences facility by the spring 2017 semester.
